Identification Guide to SHARKS of Mississippi

By Dr. Eric Hoffmayer, Jim Franks and John Shelley The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Laboratory Center for Fisheries Research and Development

The development of this guide was made possible by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Program. Sharks Presented in this Guide

Preface This guide was developed to assist anglers, particularly similar species that are easily confused. Bonnethead...... Sphyrna tiburo Dusky shark...... Carcharhinus obscurus charter boat captains, marine enforcement officers, It is the intent of the authors that this user-friendly biologists, commercial fishers and others in the guide serve as a useful field identification aid as well Scalloped hammerhead...... Sphyrna lewini Silky shark...... Carcharhinus falciformis identification of sharks that occur in or near the as a source of general information on local sharks. Great hammerhead...... Sphyrna mokarran Atlantic sharpnose shark... Rhizoprionodon terraenovae coastal and marine waters of Mississippi. Species Considering the overfished status of numerous included in the guide were selected based on their shark populations, individuals who catch sharks, Tiger shark...... Galeocerdo cuvier Blacknose shark...... Carcharhinus acronotus relative occurrence and probability of encounter particularly female sharks during pupping season, within Mississippi’s inshore (north of the barrier might choose to release them unharmed once they Lemon shark...... Negaprion brevirostris Finetooth shark...... Carcharhinus isodon islands) and offshore (south of the barrier islands) are identified by quick reference to this guide. It is waters. anticipated that the guide represents the initial step Bull shark...... Carcharhinus leucas Spinner shark...... Carcharhinus brevipinna The guide provides a shark illustration which in the development of an angler-based, cooperative highlights external anatomical features used to tagging program for sharks in Mississippi waters. Shortfin mako...... Isurus oxyrinchus Blacktip shark...... Carcharhinus limbatus identify the various species. An identification This guide was developed with a grant from Sandbar shark...... Carcharhinus plumbeus “key,” photographs, descriptions of unique physical the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources characteristics, and general information for each and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sport Fish species assist users in correctly identifying the sharks, Restoration Program.

Page 1 Page 2 general reproductive information on sharks in this guide

Common Name female Size at Litter Size** Size at Birth Pupping Reference Points for Terms in Guide Maturity (feet)** (inches)** Season Small Coastal Species Interdor- Atlantic sharpnose 3 1 – 7 13 – 15 May/June 1st Dorsal Fin sal Ridge 2nd Dor- Finetooth 4 – 5 1 – 6 18 – 20 May/June Bonnethead 3 1 – 16 14 – 16 Aug/Sept 1st Dorsal Fin Origin sal Fin Blacknose 3 – 4 3 – 6 15 – 20 May/June Free Rear Tip Large Coastal Species Blacktip 5 – 6 1 – 10 18 – 23 May/June Spinner 6 – 7 3 – 15 24 – 30 May/June Bull 7 – 8 1 – 15 22 – 32 May/June Sandbar 5 – 6 1 – 14 22 – 30 May/June Silky 7 – 8 2 – 14 28 – 34 May/June Caudal Fin Dusky * 9 – 10 3 – 14 27 – 39 May/June Tiger 11 – 12 10 – 82 20 – 30 May/June Caudal Keel Lemon 7 – 8 4 – 17 24 – 26 May/Aug Snout Anal Fin Claspers Scalloped hammerhead 7 – 8 15 – 31 17 – 22 May/June (males Pelvic Fin Great hammerhead 9 – 10 13 – 42 20 – 28 Aug/Sept Pectoral Fin only) Pelagic Species Rear Margin Shortfin mako 9 – 10 8 – 10 24 – 27 Unknown Illustration by Joe Jewell Shark Management Category * Prohibited Species ** Source: J.D. McEachran and J.D. Fechhelm. 1998. Fishes of the Gulf of Mexico, Vol. 1: Myxiniformes to Sharks are managed by state and federal regulations. Gasterosteiformes. University of Texas Press, Austin, 1112 pp.

Page 3 Page 4 Identification Key to the Sharks of Mississippi

This key contains a series of paired descriptive options (1-14) to use in the identification of sharks. Beginning with #1, select the option (a or b) b) Top lobe of caudal fin longer than bottom lobe; no caudal keel...... 8 that best applies to your specimen. The number shown at the end of your chosen option will guide you through the key to the next pair of options you must consider. Continue this stepwise process until you identify the correct name of your shark. 8. a) Interdorsal ridge present ...... 9 b) Interdorsal ridge absent...... 11 1. a) Head shovel or hammer shaped...... 2 9. a) 1st dorsal fin high, triangular, and originates over middle of pectoral fin...... Sandbar (p.21) b) Head rounded to pointed...... 4 b) 1st dorsal fin moderately rounded and originates over or well behind rear margin of pectoral fin...... 10 2. a) Head shovel shaped with no center indention...... Bonnethead (p.7) 10. a) 1st dorsal fin originates over rear margin of pectoral fin; pectoral fin with slightly curved rear margin...... Dusky (p.23) b) Head hammer shaped with center indention...... 3 b) 1st dorsal fin originates well behind rear margin of pectoral fin; 2nd dorsal fin has long free tip...... Silky (p.25) 3. a) Front margin of head broadly arched with center indention and two shallow notches on 11. a) Origin of 2nd dorsal fin about middle of anal fin base; white spots on dorsal surface of individuals each side; pelvic fins with straight rear margin...... Scalloped hammerhead (p.9) greater than 23” total length ...... Atlantic sharpnose (p.27) b) Front margin of head nearly straight with center indention and one shallow notch on each b) Origin of 2nd dorsal fin aligns with origin of anal fin; white spots absent on dorsal surface...... 12 side; pelvic fins with curved rear margin...... Great hammerhead (p.11) 12. a) Snout with dusky blotch at tip...... Blacknose (p.29) 4. a) Snout short and bluntly rounded...... 5 b) Snout without dusky blotch at tip...... 13 b) Snout elongated and moderately rounded to pointed...... 7 13. a) Fins not black tipped; 1st dorsal fin originates over rear margin of pectoral fin; body bluish gray...... Finetooth (p.31) 5. a) Black spots or stripes on dorsal surface; teeth serrated and deeply notched...... Tiger (p.13) b) All or most of the fins black tipped...... 14 b) Body uniform in color; teeth not deeply notched...... 6 14. a) 1st dorsal fin originates behind rear margin of pectoral fin; all fins black tipped; snout longer than 6. a) 1st and 2nd dorsal fins approximately equal in size; body yellowish-green to brown in color...... Lemon (p.15) mouth width...... Spinner (p.33) b) 1st dorsal fin much larger than 2nd dorsal fin; 1st dorsal fin high, triangular, and originates over middle b) 1st dorsal fin originates over pectoral fin, sometimes over the rear margin; all fins black tipped except of pectoral fin; body robust and dark gray in color ...... Bull (p.17) anal fin; snout shorter than mouth width...... Blacktip (p.35) 7. a) Top and bottom lobes of caudal fin approximately equal in size; body deep blue in color; teeth are long and blade-like, with no serrations; caudal keel present...... Shortfin mako (p.19)

Page 5 Page 6 Similar Species Bonnethead Key Characteristics a. a. Shovel-shaped head with no center indention b. Small scattered black spots on dorsal surface Management Category Small Coastal Scalloped hammerhead Maximum Size 5 ft. Common Size 2 to 4 ft. b. Abundance Inshore Medium / Offshore Rare Similar Species Great hammerhead

Page 7 Page 8 a. Key Characteristics Newborn Similar Species scalloped a. Front edge of head broadly arched with center hammer- indentation and two shallow notches on each side head Head of newborn slightly curved b. Pelvic fins with straight rear margins Management Category a. Large Coastal

Bonnethead Maximum Size 12 ft. Common Size 5.5 to 8.5 ft.

b. Abundance Inshore Rare / Offshore Medium Similar Species Scalloped Hammerhead Great hammerhead See adjacent photos

Page 9 Page 10 Similar Species Key Characteristics Great Hammerhead a. Front margin of head nearly straight with center indentation and one shallow notch on each side b. Pelvic fins with curved rear margin b. Management Category Large Coastal a. Bonnethead Maximum Size 18.5 ft. Common Size 7 to 10 ft. Abundance Inshore Rare / Offshore Rare The newborn great hammer- head has a slightly curved Similar Species head. a. Adult scalloped hammerhead See adjacent photos Adult great hammerhead

Page 11 Page 12 features Tiger Key Characteristics b. a. Black spots or stripes on dorsal surface b. Snout short, bluntly rounded and wide c. Teeth serrated, deeply notched a. b. Management Category Large Coastal Maximum Size 20 ft. c. Common Size 4 to 9 ft. c. Abundance Inshore Rare / Offshore Medium Similar Species None

Page 13 Page 14 feature Lemon a. Key Characteristics a. Snout short and blunt b. 1st and 2nd dorsal fin of similar size c. b. a. c. Body color yellowish-green to brown Management Category Large Coastal Maximum Size 11 ft. Common Size 4 to 7 ft. Similar Species Abundance Inshore Rare / Offshore Rare Similar Species See adjacent photo Nurse shark, Ginglymostomata cirratum

Page 15 Page 16 Key Characteristics Bull c. a. Snout short, blunt and rounded feature b. Body robust c. 1st dorsal fin high and triangular; originates over a. a. middle of pectoral fin *no interdorsal ridge Management Category Large Coastal Maximum Size 11.5 ft. Common Size 3 to 6 ft. b. Abundance Inshore High / Offshore Medium Similar Species Sandbar and Blacktip

Page 17 Page 18 SHORTFIN Mako Key Characteristics feature a. Snout conical and pointed b. Top and bottom lobes of caudal fin of similar size c. Body color deep blue c. a. b. d. Caudal keel Management Category Pelagic

d. Maximum Size 13 ft. Common Size 6 to 9 ft. Abundance Teeth long and pointed Inshore Rare / Offshore Rare Similar Species None

Page 19 Page 20 b. Key Characteristics a. a. Interdorsal ridge feature b. 1st dorsal fin high, triangular; originates over middle of pectoral fin Management Category Large Coastal Maximum Size 8 ft. 3 to 6.5 ft. a. Common Size Abundance Inshore Rare / Offshore Medium Similar Species Sandbar Bull and Dusky

Page 21 Page 22 Key Characteristics b. a. Interdorsal ridge a. b. Origin of 1st dorsal fin over rear margin of pectoral fin feature c. Pectoral fin with curved rear margin Management Category Prohibited Species (no possession) Maximum Size 12 ft. Common Size 5 to 9 ft. a. Abundance c. Inshore Rare / Offshore Rare Similar Species Dusky Silky and Sandbar

Page 23 Page 24 feature Key Characteristics Silky a. Interdorsal ridge b. b. 1st dorsal fin low, rounded; originates well behind pectoral fin a. c. c. 2nd dorsal fin with long free rear tip Management Category a. Large Coastal Maximum Size 11 ft. c. Common Size 3 to 6 ft. Abundance Inshore Rare / Offshore Medium Similar Species Dusky

Page 25 Page 26 feature Atlantic Sharpnose Key Characteristics a. Origin of 2nd dorsal about mid-base of anal fin b. b. Several white spots on dorsal surface Management Category The young Atlantic sharpnose less than Small Coastal 23 inches does not have white spots on dorsal surface. Maximum Size 4 ft. similar species Common Size 2 to 3.5 ft. Abundance Inshore High / Offshore Medium a. Similar Species Smalltail Shark, Carcharhinus porosus Blacknose, Finetooth, and Smalltail 2nd dorsal fin is not blacktipped. (see adjacent photo)

Page 27 Page 28 Blacknose Key Characteristics feature a. Dusky blotch on rounded snout (sometimes faint in adults) b. 2nd dorsal fin origin aligns with anal fin origin a. Management Category Small Coastal Maximum Size 5 ft. Common Size 2.5 to 4 ft. a. b. Abundance Inshore Rare / Offshore High Similar Species Atlantic sharpnose and Finetooth

Page 29 Page 30 Key Characteristics Finetooth b. a. Pointed snout feature b. Fins not black tipped c. c. 2nd dorsal fin origin aligns with anal fin origin d. a. d. Dorsal surface bluish gray b. e. Long gill slits a. Management Category Small Coastal Maximum Size 6 ft. Common Size 2 to 4.5 ft. e. b. Abundance b. b. Inshore High / Offshore Rare b. Similar Species Atlantic sharpnose, Blacknose and Blacktip

Page 31 Page 32 Spinner Key Characteristics b. a. Origin of 1st dorsal fin behind rear margin a. of pectoral fin feature b. All fins black tipped b. Young spinner Management Category Large Coastal Maximum Size 9 ft. Anal fin may not be black tipped in young Common Size 2.5 to 6 ft. individuals less than 31 inches total length. Abundance b. b. b. Inshore Medium / Offshore High b. Similar Species Blacktip

Page 33 Page 34 shark tagging Blacktip research Key Characteristics a. Origin of 1st dorsal fin over pectoral fin, sometimes over the rear margin a. b. All fins except anal fin black tipped Management Category Large Coastal Maximum Size 9 ft.

Researchers at GCRL are tagging sharks in Common Size 2 to 5 ft. Mississippi coastal waters to better understand their growth and movement patterns. Tags are Abundance located in the 1st dorsal fin region (see above Inshore High / Offshore High b. photo). If a shark is encountered, please call the phone number on the tag and provide the tag number, species of shark, total length Similar Species and location of capture. Any help that can be Spinner, Bull and Finetooth provided is appreciated.

Page 35 Page 36 Photo Credits Guide Reviewers We also thank the following people for R. Dean Grubbs - Mako Shark William Driggers III participating in field research: Jack Randall - Dusky Shark Mark Grace Gary Gray Captain and crew of the James Franks - Mako Closeup Michael Buchanan Paul Grammar RV Tommy Munro Glenn Parsons - Nurse and Smalltail Sharks Glenn Parsons Monty Simmons GCRL Shark Biology Eric Hoffmayer - Remaining Shark Photos Mercedes Smith Graphic Design Steven George Summer Classes Diana Reid Shark Illustration William Dempster Mississippi Deep Sea Joe Jewell Jason Tilley Fishing Rodeo Lauren Byrd

The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Laboratory Center for Fisheries Research and Development P. O. Box 7000 Ocean Springs, MS 39566-7000

contact information Dr. Eric Hoffmayer Phone: (228) 872-4257 Email: [email protected]